| Photomicrographs |
Section: MICROORGANISMS
Subsection: ALGAE
Date Composed: 12-11-95 Date Modified: 12-18-95
ALGAE
Algae are unicellular or multicellular (filamentous) photosynthetic organisms. They use light and CO2 in photosynthesis thereby obtaining carbon and energy. Algae appear green, blue-green, yellow-brown, etc. when viewed unstained in a wet mount because of their photosynthetic differentiated pigments.
Classification is primarily based on the types of pigments in the cells. Generally, unstained algae are easily differentiated from fungi or bacteria. This becomes more confusing when viewing a stained preparation. Consequently, wet mounts are recommended whenever algae are suspected and for any initial examination of a sample.
Algae exist in many habitats even if only slightly humid. Because of their photosynthetic nature, they can exist in many low nutrient habitats. Some algae can also fix nitrogen in the atmosphere.
Algae come in numerous shapes and colors and are often larger than the fungal spores, hyphae and filamentous bacteria with which they may become confused.
Suggested method for slide preparation is:
wet mount